Let Capello get on with the job

The fall out from the World Cup refuses to go away. The media enjoyed five minutes slating the players, but realising that the players would be around a little longer and any continued onslaught would see the stars boycott interviews, end columns and move to more 'friendlier' papers, they had to stop. Their next move was obvious, and one they have tried before - blame the foreigner!



They fell in love with the Italian after finding the wally with the brolly incompatible. But like any spurned lover, or should we say stalker, they hit back with a vengeance. Capello's problem was he did not play the media game. He was obnoxious, arrogant, and dismissive. He did not care about them, and cared even less about their opinion. That was fine when results were positive but the hacks were sharpening their knives for when it went wrong.



In a sense, Capello only has himself to blame. The title winning manager had ruled with conviction but when it came to naming a 30 man preliminary squad and then a final 23 there was an air of desperation. All the strategic planning went out the window. Suddenly Capello realised that England were primed to get through the qualifying group, but no thought had been given to the finals.



This is certainly not a new phenomenon. England have consistently underperformed in major tournaments, when they have qualified. While Germany accept indifferent qualification results but expect and receive excellent tournament performances, England seem to focus on the opposite. Most teams England face should pose little to no threat, even with third choice keepers, uncapped strikers and backup centre backs.



Instead, Capello played a non-goalscoring striker who he then had to drop, and found that relying on Rooney against determined opposition was inadequate. His slow central midfield pairing of Lampard and Barry, along with an egotistical and erratic Terry, were totally exposed. And the only changes he made were like for like.



Has Capello learnt his lesson? The friendly against Hungary saw a 4-5-1/4-3-3 attempted for the most part. Ironically it was when we switched back to 4-4-2 that we conceded. A few new caps were handed out, and fringe players received game time. But when it comes to the qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland, will Capello continue with the in vogue formation, or switch to the tried and tested (and failed)?



Either way, slating him every five minutes is hardly helping. Such is the psyche of the English media (and too many fans it has to be said) that even a 0-0 half time score in a friendly is met with thousands of boos. England could have played worse and been 2-0 up. What would the fans have done then?



The media has lost respect for him, that is abundantly clear. Now he is simply an easy target. I'm not sure convincing wins in the remaining internationals of the year will satisfy a blood-thirsty press.



If those journalists were true fans they would see the Italian's failings, but they would also give him the support. England have not won anything for a long time. They have not really been close to winning anything for a long time. Maybe its not the manager's fault, maybe the players are not good enough. Either way, getting on their backs is not helping!

Spicing up the Charity Shield

Let's be honest, we do not care. The only reason why we watch is because it's the first 'real' game of the season. But the winner does not matter. It goes in the record books but it's as immaterial as who was the second sub at Wigan on Boxing Day 1976.

The Charity Shield may be the curtain raiser but it has as much significance today as an England friendly. Nobody really cares, not even the teams invovled. Both sides play down the significance of the match before and after. At the end of the season, managers do not justify a poor season by saying 'At least we won the charity shield'.

So why don't we change that? Let's make the charity shield interesting, if not for the result how about the rules? Let's use the game as a one off chance to try something new and different. Four linesmen has already been done, but how about rolling subs? All English or British line ups? Each line up must contain 2 debutants. Goal line technology, penalties handed out instead of red cars, beach balls littering the goal mouth?

Nobody cares really and even the bragging rights of the supporters are short lived. Rooney plays his second 45 minutes of pre-season, so anything he does wrong is easily excused. The only reason the papers will cover the game is through desperation (and to cover their expenses). Why not jazz things up and instead of talking about how it does not matter, we cna talk about somethig new and different, and maybe improve football in the future.

Capello Needs to be Careful

The furore at England's World Cup exit was predictable, and in most regards warranted. Once the FA had decided to keep Capello in charge, whether through fear of the financial cost or belief in the Italian to succeed, all thoughts turned to how he could change England's fortunes for Euro 2012.

The knee jerk reaction is to chuck in the kids. Doesn't matter that they have just stopped sucking their thumb long enough to make a couple of sub appearances in the Premiership, Arsene Wenger says they are ready, and it's not like he has been wrong before. Oh, wait.....

Jack Wilshere is chucked around by the media (and his french manager) as the answer to all England's problems, but this simply highlights the massive problem Capello had. After two years of doing things his own way, Capello started to second guess himself. He lured back Carragher, tried to tempt Scholes, relied on an injury prone centre back and another who was uncapped. Would Milan's Capello have persisted with out of form or out of order players? Doubtful.

Changes are needed, but half a season on loan at Bolton is not preparation for an England debut. Wilshere has potential, and maybe his inclusion in the squad simply to gain experience of the international set up and pressure of being one of England's top players, but to ship the likes of him, Danny Welbeck, Nathan Delfouneso, Kieran Gibbs and the rest in when they are not even Premiership regulars is a disastrous plan.

Laurent Blanc, the newly appointed France manager, will pick an entirely new 23 for his country's friendly game but it will not be filled with unproven teenagers. The media like to paint a picture that behind an established XI there is nothing. You either have a 70 cap midfielder who has won cups and titles, or you have the next big thing who still hasn't finished puberty.

Capello is in danger of forgetting a whole generation of players. Joe Hart will be England's number 1 for a while, but there is plenty of Premiership experience in Lee Cattermole, Tom Huddlestone, Michael Dawson, Leon Osman, Scott Parker, Bobby Zamora, Ashley Young, Gabby Agbonlahor...the list is endless. Players like Jack Rodwell, nearing his 50th Premiership appearance, have established themselves in the Premiership and are still young, but there is a marked difference between them and the hyped up youngsters at the big teams.

Capello needs to be careful. Going from one extreme, the oldest team at the World Cup, to the other, a team full of teenagers, will not work. They say you never win anything with kids, and while Manchester United disproved this theory Capello needs to remember that international teams do not have time to build up an understanding, nor a team spirit. Uninformed pundits may point to Germany's young team, but tell me how young Miroslav Klose, Bastien Schweinsteiger, Phillip Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolshi are, nevermind Michael Ballack.

Time for Ancelotti's Stamp

Three years have passed since the Special One left Stamford Bridge, yet the team remains true to his values, his tactics and his formation. The key men remain the same - Cech, Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard and Drogba - and despite the best efforts of Carlo Ancelotti the style is still the same - strong and powerful, but not always pleasing on the eye.

The Italian has achieved something Mourinho did not, namely a domestic double, and he still has a chance to deliver the Champions League, something Chelsea have never won. But the feeling remains that Mourinho created the Chelsea we have seen today, and the likes of Avram Grant, Guus Hiddink and now Ancelotti are merely reaping the benefits. Key personnel remain the same, and those that have left have been replaced with similarly styled players.

Moruniho's teams were accused of defensive, direct football. Effective without doubt, but for the money splashed about more was expected. Those that have succeeded him have not had a blank cheque book, and arguably Ancelotti is having it harder than most. The likes of Michael Ballack and Joe Cole have left the club, their wages deemed excessive for what they brought to the team.

Looking at Ancelotti's previous teams, should we be expecting an attractive, attacking style of play? A brief glimpse of his managerial history shows that the Italian likes to adopt a defensive style of play in general, but tends to mould a system to suit his players. Is it any surprise, therefore, that he should choose to continue with a kind of football that has worked so well for Chelsea in the recent decade?

One legacy the man from Reggiolo is trying to create is behind the scenes at the club's training ground in Cobham. The idea is to replicate the famous Milanello training facility and Ancelotti has brought over Bruno di Michelis to help build a world class complex.

The Chelsea squad still has a few areas that need improvement. The return of Michael Essien will bring drive and determination, but the team lacks width and sheering pace on the wings as the full backs are asked to cover both fofensive and defensive duties. Anelka and Drogba still struggle to shine as a partnership, while Lampard struggled in the first half of last season without the physical presence of the Ivorian upfront.

The signing of Fernando Torres would certainly make a statement, but I worry how well he and Drogba would do in a partnership. Both like to lead the line and be the focal point of attacks - would they be able to link up together and score the goals? And how well would Lampard work in a deeper role?

Chelsea could do with genuine wingers to offer a different option (Malouda and Kalou are not by any definition wingers) and also a creative midfielder to get on the ball and create chances. It's all very well smashing Wigan for eight, but as Inter Milan showed they can be stifled as an attacking force. If Chelsea want to win that Champions League, and Ancelotti wants to be the man to do it, he needs to make a couple of changes and then maybe we can say this is Ancelotti's Chelsea.

Hammer Blowing Smoke?

When West ham were taken over by Sullivan and Gold, brighter days were on the horizon. The Davids quickly identified the financial issues that needed resolving, in particular an excessive wage bill (paying Kieron Dyer more than minimum wage may, in itself, be called excessive). Finally, the Hammers had owners who were realistic and pragmatic, putting the club on a long term plan for success and, more importantly, survival.

Then they offered Ruud van Nistelrooy £100,000 a week.

Since then, the West Ham chairman have increased their share holding in the club, and increased the circus around Upton Park. Links to Miroslav Klose, Loic Remy, Neymar, Yakuba and a clutch of Portsmouth cast offs are not just a result of lazy and crazy journalism. While Avram Grant eases himself into the hot seat, Sullivan and Gold go about making massive offers for high profile or high potential players. It's an age old trick to get season ticket sales up on the basis of a couple of 'Marque' signings, and do I hate the term Marque. Might as well mean expensive, pointless, and falls down in a stiff Northerly breeze.

Sullivan was quick to make every player available for transfer, save the one player who people might pay top dollar for, Scott Parker. There are certainly a few players at the club who think rather too much of themselves, and a cheaper but equally skilled replacement would not be too hard to find. However, football players are not 'glamour mag' models that Sullivan made his fortune from. His comments would have sent a torpedo to morale.

West ham's academy is legendary and rightfully something to be proud of. The club should be looking to make the most of this production line, rather than gambling money it does not really have on players who are unlikely to take the club to the top. Maybe the club's ambitions are too high, but can any honest Hammers fan claim they are going to out-perform the likes of Tottenham, Villa, Everton or even a downbeat Liverpool? A place in Europe is very unlikely.

Last season's relegation struggle was a surprise given the set of players the club has on its books. Injuries to key personnel did not help, nor the new owners undermining former manager Gianfranco Zola. Unless a flood of offers come in for the likes of Rob Green, Matthew Upson, Behrami, Cole and Noble, the club in its current state should be targeting 12th or better.

The strange things is, when in charge of Birmingham Sullivan and Gold were known for being tight on the purse strings. Maybe their hearts are ruling their head, but after the disillusionment of the Icelandic escapade, West Ham fans would appreciate some realism and honesty. If they aim for the sun they may get burned. By taking a longer term view they may be able to overtake their rivals and then they can begin to reach for the stars.

Could the Cottage Crumble?

Roy Hodgson achieved a first European final for Fulham and deserved a crack with a bigger club as he enters the twilight of his career. Fulham, on the other hand, face the difficult job of finding a replacement that can keep up the momentum under Hodgson. One bad move, and Craven Cottage could be in the Championship.

Undoubtedly, Hodgson maximised the potential in the Fulham team - they were far greater than the sum of their parts. The Londoner's style of training ground routines, repeated over and over again until the team could play together with their eyes closed, produced the best from a bunch of forgotten men, Premiership rejects and continental unknowns.

The bosman signing of Mark Schwarzer was a masterstroke; Danny Murphy was rejuvenated, Bobby Zamora was prolific and pushing an England call up; Brede Hangeland came from nowhere and became a defensive colossus. Even Chris Smalling, a rare product from the reserves, came in and impressed, securing a move to Manchester United in the process.

Hodgson saved them from relegation, secured a Europa League place, then a European final. Talk about a tough act to follow!

The good news is there has yet to be an exodus of players, following Hodgson's wake. The vultures, however, have started to circle. Arsenal have sniffed around Schwarzer and Hangeland, Birmingham had interest Zamora. And with a new manager coming in, transfer targets identified by the shrewd Hodgson may be missed as the new man settles in.

Lets examine the candidates. Alan Curbishley, with a record of doing quite well with small teams, save one season at West Ham, would be relatively cheap and would hopefully do a pretty solid job, keeping Fulham up without too much hassle. On the other hand, he has upset various members of the current Fulham playing staff, having managed and sold half a dozen without much shedding of tears. If he comes in, can Fulham survive a disgruntled squad that would undo all Hodgson's hard work or, even worse, a major upheaval of the squad?

Mark Hughes is available. His wages may be slightly higher than Fulham would want to pay, but Hughes does have a point to prove after his tenure at Manchester City, would have the respect of the players, and his stint at Blackburn shows he can get the best out of a workmanlike team. He may even attract a few quality players.

Sven Goran Eriksson is available, inevitably. His club record is still impressive, but would Fulham have the transfer budget that the Swede would need to produce the goods? Gianfranco Zola has also been linked and, like Hughes, he has a point to prove. He could bring a more attractive style of football than his rivals, which might balance out the lower results than will come after Hodgson's peak.

A new and interesting name into the mix is that of Huddersfield manager Lee Clark. A young manager and former player, Clark has had the Yorkshire club playing some impressive stuff, albeit in a lower league. Being a former player and British, Clark would be afforded time to mould the time into the style he wants, and would be happier dealing with the relatively restrictive Premiership budget that Fulham operate under. But after an epic European adventure, would Fulham fans and players be happy giving another manager a step up the career ladder?

In my view, Hughes, Clark and Zola, in that order, should be the favoured candidates. There is a good balance of determination, ambition, respect (from fans and players), and realism. Fulham cannot match the highs of last season - transition will bring inconsistency, although I would not be surprised to see the Cottagers mount a domestic cup run - but the last thing they want to do is employ someone who rocks the boat, puts them in a relegation battle and then gets the boot before Christmas.

Fulham have the advantage that mid-table sides have in that they can plan for the long term. They can unearth diamonds and sell them for a profit, and every once in a while make a headline or two. One bad move and the club may never recover. At Fulham, with its lack of big name stars, the man who is manager is all important.

Personally, I hope they make the right choice.

Where now for Sunderland?

Sunderland are fast becoming the very definition of a mid table team - capable of upsetting the top teams, but also liable of collapsing against the basement boys. Three years after promotion into the Premiership, this could be seen as an achievement, but given the backing of the board should Steve Bruce be aiming higher?

13th last season was not too bad for a team in transition and one that went on a terrible 14 game winless run. However, having spent £16 million on Darren Bent, as well as splashing the cash on Frazier Campbell, Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana amongst others, its fair to say that a top half finish was not too much to ask.

Bent repaid his fee, scoring nearly half of Sunderland's goals, but other players can feel disappointed with their performances last season. Anton Ferdinand and Keiran Richardson are two examples of English talent that has failed to deliver and Black Cat fans can and should expect more from them.

A lower profile does allow the North East club to give youngsters like Henderson and Meyler a chance, and for that Bruce must be congratulated. But as Niall Quinn and the Irish consortium that owns the club provide yet more funds, it's time that the club mounted a challenge for the Europa League spots, rather than looking over their shoulder at the relegation pit. Even if they do not qualify for Europe, they need to show the ambition that will attract a better quality of player.

Today's papers link them with Matthew Upson for a cool £7 million - a truly troubling amount for a player who was wretched for a team on the cusp of relegation. While fitness concerns surround John Mensah, surely he would be a better buy and much cheaper.

Sunderland have a history of paying too much for average players, with Roy Keane's tenure a prime example. At 31, Upson has little to no resale value, and unless Bruce can change some fundamental flaws in his game - a lack of pace coupled with a lack of concentration make a calamity waiting to happen - and change them immediately, the money spent will be a bad sign for Sunderland's summer transfer strategy.

Unlucky to only get a point at Old Trafford, beating Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham shows they have the team to get big results, although their woeful away record may indicate a lack of desire and determination when the Stadium of Light crowd is not behind them.

With Newcastle back in the Premier League, the fierce rivalry can resume once again, but Sunderland would do well to keep the bigger picture in mind. Newcastle should not be on the same level as Sunderland, at least not this season, but if the Black Cats allow themselves to be consumed with only finishing above Newcastle, they could have another disappointing season.

Bruce has been unafraid to pay an English premium on his players, which is admirable if not quite sensible, but if they can uncover a couple of cheaper gems in Europe and beyond, as well as get more from the likes of Kenwyne Jones, Steed Malbranque and Andy Reid, then there is no reason why they cannot finish in the top half of the table and target a cup run or two.